Cafetite
A variety of Minerals
What is Cafetite?
Cafetite is a rare titanium oxide mineral with formula (Ca,Mg)(Fe,Al)2Ti4O12·4(H2O). It is named for its composition, Ca-Fe-Ti. It was first described in 1959 for an occurrence in the Afrikanda Massif, Afrikanda, Kola Peninsula, Murmanskaja Oblast, Northern Region, Russia. It is also reported from the Khibiny and Kovdor massifs of the Kola Peninsula and from Meagher County, Montana, US. It occurs in pegmatites in a pyroxenite intrusion as crystals in miarolitic cavities. It occurs associated with ilmenite, titaniferous magnetite, titanite, anatase, perovskite, baddeleyite, phlogopite, clinochlore and kassite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cafetite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Cafetite Localities Map
See where Cafetite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- yellow, colourless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4 - 5
- Density
- 3.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CaTi2O5 · H2O Originally reported as (Ca,Mg)(Fe,Al)2Ti4O12.4H2O; name reflects Fe content, since found to be non-essential.
- Elements
- Ca, H, O, Ti
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Cafetite FAQs
How do I identify Cafetite?
Cafetite can be identified by its hardness of 4 - 5 on the Mohs scale, yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Cafetite?
Cafetite typically appears in yellow, colourless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Cafetite?
Cafetite has a hardness of 4 - 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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